Description
These mozzarella-stuffed soft pretzels combine the chewy, golden-brown goodness of homemade pretzels with the gooey, melty delight of mozzarella cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these crowd-pleasing treats are simple to make at home and deliver all the satisfying flavor of a classic pretzel with a cheesy surprise inside.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pretzel Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110ยฐF/45ยฐC)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 10 sticks (about 3 inches each)
Baking Soda Bath
- 10 cups water
- 2/3 cup baking soda
Topping
- 1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
- Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes or until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the melted butter, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead by hand or with a dough hook for 5โ7 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Soda Bath: Preheat your oven to 450ยฐF (230ยฐC) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water and the baking soda to a boil.
- Shape and Fill the Pretzels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 18 inches long. Flatten each rope with your fingers, place a stick of mozzarella in the center, and pinch the dough around the cheese, fully sealing the seam. Shape each rope into a pretzel shape by forming a U and twisting the ends over each other, then pressing the ends onto the bottom of the U.
- Baking Soda Bath: Carefully place each pretzel in the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds, one or two at a time. Remove with a slotted spatula and place onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the pretzels with the beaten egg yolk and water mixture, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Bake in the preheated oven for 12โ14 minutes, or until deep golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy stuffed soft pretzels while warm for maximum gooeyness!
Notes
- Seal the dough well around the cheese to prevent leaks during baking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for variation.
- Pretzels are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a 300ยฐF oven for 5โ7 minutes.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg